Varanasi

Varanasi or Banaras, mentioned in the scriptures as Kashi, is less of a city and more of a dreamy experience. It is a paragon of Indian culture, philosophy, traditions and spiritual ethos since times immemorial. It is among the Sapta Puries, meaning seven sacred cities of Ancient India. The city is located on the bank of River Ganga which has two tributaries in the city: Varuna and Assi; hence the name Varanasi. The combination of Kashi – the holy city, Ganga- the sacred river and Shiva- the supreme God, makes Varanasi an immortal destination. Today, Varanasi remains the hub of cultural and holy activities. In the field of learning, especially of Religion, Philosophy, Yoga, Ayurveda, Astrology, Dance and Music, the city is certainly unparalleled. The Banarasi Silk Sarees and Brocades are known worldwide for its elegance. Varanasi is full of surprises abounding every corner; the more one explores it, the more one falls in love with it!

Other Attractions

HOW TO GET HERE?

FLIGHT BOOKING

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur located at distance of 22 KM from Varanasi. Direct flights are available from Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Kathmandu (Nepal).

BUS BOOKING

You can hit the road from any of the major cities to Varanasi. It is well connected to the rest of the country with good motorable roads. The road distances from some of the cities are: Agra- 565 KM, Allahabad- 128 KM, Bodh gaya- 240 KM, Lucknow- 286 KM and Sarnath- 10 KM.

TRAIN BOOKING

The Varanasi, Manduadeeh and Mughal Sarai are the important railway junctions, connected to all the major cities. The stations are the nearest ones and regular trains run to and from these stations.

PLACE TO VISIT NEAR VARANASI

Vindhyachal
68 KM

Vindhyachal, a town in Mirzapur district, situated on the bank of River Ganga is one of the most respected Shaktipeeths of Goddess Vindhyavasini. Referred in the ancient scriptures, Goddess Vindhyavasini is believed to be the instant bestower of blessings. Best known for the several shrines dedicated to the Goddess, this holy town also offers the visitors a chance to come close to natural wonders.Though Vindhyachal is a bustling town soaked with religious fervour, there is also a tranquil side not to be missed by the visitors. Located on banks of River Ganga, the land boasts green landscapes giving nature lovers their share of treat.

Chitrakoot
246 KM

Chitrakoot meaning “the hill of many wonders” falls in the northern Vindhya range of
mountains spread over the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Lord Rama spend a major part of his exile here. According to the epic Ramayana,
Chitrakoot is the place where Bharat, brother of Lord Rama came to visit him and asked
him to return to Ayodhya and rule the kingdom. It is believed that the supreme Gods of
Hinduism, (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) took incarnations here. The place is dotted with
many temples and several religious sites.
At Chitrakoot, everything relates to Lord Rama. One can also explore the amalgamation
of culture and history on this land. Chitrakoot is a spiritual retreat, thronged almost
throughout the year by travellers, who have a penchant for the unknown and
unexplored. Chitrakoot is a perfect blend of divinity, serenity, and natural beauty.

Ayodhya
212 KM

Ayodhya is a legendary spiritual centre on the banks of River Saryu that attracts the visitors with its serene ghats and countless temples. Situated in the Faizabad district, Ayodhya is counted as one of the seven sacred cities in the Hindu faith. Being the birthplace of Lord Rama and the five of Jainism’s 24 Tirthankaras, this land has many mythological and sacred bonds. According to the epic Ramayana, Ayodhya was home to the Ikshvaku dynasty, from which Lord Rama, the most illustrious of its rulers is said to have descended. Ayodhya is a significant spiritual centre for other faiths as well, Jainism in particular. The buzz of life as usual, fervour of visiting devotees, chiming temple bells and melodious chanting, all offer Ayodhya a singular spiritual ambience. Home to countless multi-faith temples, as many Dharamshalas(hermitages) and Akhadas (resting places for sadhu), the place is further enlivened by the presence of all manner of supplicant, sage, scholars and such like.

Lucknow
319 KM

Lucknow, a city which upholds many cultures, heritage and arts of Uttar Pradesh, resonating in every corner. It gained prominence when Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula shifted the capital of Awadh from Faizabad to this city in 1775. They were great patrons of arts and laid the foundation from which Lucknowi culture emerged. Whether Lucknow’s mesmerizing architecture, sweetness in its language, elegant hospitality, and sophistication in its culture, exquisite crafts or the mouth-watering cuisine, this city never fails to win hearts of every traveller. Modern day Lucknow is a spectacular synthesis of past and present. It is a bustling capital city spreading both sides of the River Gomti with sprawling parks, British Era buildings and old monuments. Lucknow is famous for its charm, nazakat (Elegance) and nafasat (Refinement) – which is holding onto this land since time immemorial.